Executive Leader in Legislative Policy & Affairs

PETER S. GAYTAN

904-***-**** *********@*****.*** Delaware Area

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Leadership executive offering 20+ years of non-profit management, government relations, legislative affairs, public policy, and public affairs experience. Trusted policy expert with extensive experience presenting testimony before U.S. Congressional committees and serving as a direct liaison to the White House, Capitol Hill, DoD, VA, DHS, and DoL.

CORE COMPETENCIES

● Executive Leadership & Governance: Strategic Planning Board Relations Remote Multi-Office Leadership Fiscal Oversight ($40M+)

● Government & Legislative Affairs: Federal & State Lobbying Congressional Testimony Bipartisan Coalitions Policy Formulation

● Public Affairs & Communications: Chief Spokesperson Media Relations

(Print, TV, Radio) Crisis Communications Op-Eds & Policy Papers

● Program Operations & Veteran Advocacy: Healthcare Oversight Disability Claims Processing Transition Services Economic Mobility PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Paralyzed Veterans of America National Headquarters Associate Executive Director July 2016 – June 2026

● Managed and provided strategic oversight for the Veterans Benefits Department, Medical Services, and Health Policy divisions.

● Directed a team of clinical medical practitioners monitoring healthcare quality, safety, and delivery across VA facilities nationwide.

● Oversaw a nationwide network of Veteran Service Officers providing assistance to veterans developing complex service-connected disability claims. Wounded Warrior Project

Executive Vice President November 2014 – December 2015

● Directed national programming focused on economic empowerment, higher education, IT training, and career transition for wounded service members.

● Managed vendor contract portfolios and cultivated partnerships with executive leaders across federal agencies, military branches, and defense stakeholders. The American Legion National Headquarters

Executive Director 2000 – 2014 (Includes roles as Director of Veterans Affairs & Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs)

● Directed overall operations, divisions, and policies for a national organization serving over 2.4M members, managing $40M+ budgets and 250+ personnel.

● Served as policy liaison to the White House, Capitol Hill, DoD, VA, DHS, and DoL; testified before Congressional committees on healthcare and military life.

● Acted as national spokesperson across print, TV, and radio; led a network of 250+ Veteran Service Officers and audit teams evaluating VA regional offices.

● Executed annual "Capitol Hill Advocacy Days," mobilizing hundreds of veteran advocates to engage directly with lawmakers.

American Veterans (AMVETS) National Headquarters

Legislative Director 1999 – 2000

● Served as principal D.C. representative for federal lobbying efforts; managed legislative portfolios on veteran healthcare, benefits, and grassroots campaigns. United States Government

Public Affairs Specialist 1995 – 1997

● Executed public affairs programming for 2,300+ Reservists at Dover Air Force Base, DE; authored unit newsletters and issued press releases. United States Air Force

Protocol Liaison 1993 – 1995

● Coordinated official base ceremonies and high-profile visits for senior military leaders, government officials, and foreign dignitaries. EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

● Leadership Development Certification — Columbia University, New York, NY

(August 2015)

● Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science — Wesley College, Dover, DE

(2000)

● Public Affairs Specialist Certification — Defense Information School, Fort Meade, MD (1996)

● Co-author: For Service To Your Country: The Essential Guide to Getting the Veteran’s Benefits You’ve Earned

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